UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

UAE's Olaroiu, Iraq's Arnold braced for tough return leg

Abu Dhabi: United Arab Emirates head coach Cosmin Olaroiu has called on his players to show courage as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Playoffs Knockout Stage tie against Iraq, following a 1-1 draw in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Olaroiu admitted his side had a difficult start in the first leg, conceding to Ali Al Hamadi in the 10th minute at a packed Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium.

However, the Emiratis quickly responded through Luanzinho, whose header eight minutes later kept the tie evenly poised.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/asian_qualifiers.html/video/asianqualifiers-road-to-26-playoffs-|-uae-1-1-iraq

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3133032

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3133035

Preview: Round of 32

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Preview: Round of 32

Doha: Asia will have four representatives in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Round of 32.

While the knockout stage kicks off on Friday, the Asian teams will enter the battle field on Saturday, with each facing quality opposition.

The-AFC.com previews the Asian challenge, with DPR Korea, Japan, Korea Republic and Uzbekistan all hoping to go all the way.

#ACLTwo - Vote for your Top Goals of Matchday 4 presented by VISA

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

#ACLTwo - Vote for your Top Goals of Matchday 4 presented by VISA

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday 4 of the AFC Champions League Two ™ 2025/26 brought thunderbolts, training-ground patterns finished to perfection and nerveless touches in crowded boxes.

We’ve shortlisted eight that changed games and mood across West and East - back your favourite and vote now. 

Asian trio shortlisted for FIFA Best Awards

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Asian trio shortlisted for FIFA Best Awards

Kuala Lumpur: Three Asian players are in the running for the game's most prestigious honours, the FIFA Puskas Award and FIFA Marta Award.

Indonesia’s Rizky Ridho, DPR Korea’s Jon Ryong Jong and Australia’s Kyra Cooney-Cross were announced as finalists in their respective categories on Thursday.

Preview - Group C: Matchday 3

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Preview - Group C: Matchday 3

Yangon: It’s crunch time in Group C of the AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 with the final fixtures to be played on Saturday to decide the two automatic qualifiers to the knockout stage.

Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza hold a three-point advantage over Naegohyang Women’s FC of DPR Korea and Korea Republic’s Suwon FC Women while ISPE WFC are bottom of the standings after two defeats.

Melbourne's Matricciani delighted; Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen glad to pass Stallion test

Fri, 14 Nov, 2025

Melbourne's Matricciani delighted; Ho Chi Minh City's Nguyen glad to pass Stallion test

Ho Chi Minh City: Michael Matricciani was left understandably pleased after seeing his Melbourne City FC get off to a great start in their AFC Women’s Champions League™ 2025/26 Group A campaign.

Last season’s runners-up, Melbourne exhibited dominance in the 5-0 victory against Lion City Sailors FC with Matricciani pleased to see how his side grew increasingly confident with every passing minute in the game.